Westmoreland joins Gearlink Kawasaki to race in the British Superbike Championship
Posted: Wed Feb 15, 2017 10:01 am
James Westmoreland has signed for Gearlink Kawasaki and will make his return to the MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship for the 2017 season.
Runner-up in the Dickie British Supersport Championship last year, Westmoreland achieved two race wins and a further nine podium finishes. He’s previously been a podium finisher in the Superbike class; scoring his first top three finish at Thruxton in 2015.
2017 will mark the 13th consecutive season of racing in the British paddock for the Gearlink Kawasaki team – and their fourth campaign in the premier class.
The Gearlink Kawasaki team will also contest the Dickies British Supersport Championship with Andrew Irwin and Ben Currie.
James Westmoreland said: “I’m really pleased to join Gearlink Kawasaki for this season and to be back in the Superbike Championship after a really good season in the Supersport class. I’ve known Michael and Norma for many years and I’m happy to be joining their team and the Superbike project – I really appreciate the opportunity. I’m looking forward to riding the latest Kawasaki ZX-10R and getting testing underway now. I have some fond memories already of the ZX-10R from my podium in 2015 and I am very motivated to repeat that.
“The Superbike class looks to be one of the most competitive in years and I’m really pleased to be part of it. I really want to show what I am capable of and I know that the Gearlink Kawasaki team will support me all the way.”
Team Owner Michael de Bidaph commented: “Having been in talks with James Westmoreland over the last month or so we are thrilled to have now secured a deal that suits both parties. James and I both realise that this is bound to be another tough year in the Superbike class but I am sure that we can have a competitive season especially as he rode our Superbike at the last round in 2015 so we already know how to work with each other.”
Senior Racing Co-ordinator for Kawasaki Motors UK, Ross Burridge, added: “It’s great to have Westy back on Kawasaki and back with the Gearlink squad. He certainly has unfinished business on the Kawasaki and with the new Ninja ZX-10R underneath him, I am sure he will settle in well right from the off. We wish him the best of luck for the 2017 season.”
